Applied AI

Thought-provoking talks, live examples, and down-to-earth discussion focused on how AI is being applied today.

Join us for another Applied AI and explore the real-world impact of AI.

Applied AI is an evening of thought-provoking talks, live examples, and down-to-earth discussion focused on how AI is being applied today; in teams, in products, and in the everyday decisions we make at work.

Applied AI is for anyone who's curious about how AI is changing the way we work, build, and think. No technical background needed, just bring your curiosity and an open mind. We’re all about keeping things inclusive and welcoming, and we believe the future of AI should be shaped by a diverse mix of voices. So, whether you’re deep into AI or just starting to explore it, come along to learn something new, meet interesting people, and see what’s possible.

At this Applied AI, you’ll hear from leading thinkers, tinkerers and makers who are applying AI in meaningful, often surprising ways:

🎤 Design Talk: Vibe coding & design; match made in heaven or a glimpse into a bleak future?

Speaker: Douglas Notman,

Known as the 'Vibe King' by his peers, hear how Doug went from AI skeptic to fully encompassing AI into his design role. He discusses his thoughts on:

• The risks: From over eager stakeholders to a mountain of junk that can't scale, there are risks to the over adoption of AI generated ui.
• The rewards: Lightning fast prototyping, increase the scope of your user testing, and bridge the technical gap between design and engineering.
• What does future look like? Reflections on real projects that give us a sense of the world to come for product design and UX.

🛠️ Tech Talk: Is RAG Running You Ragged? A Simple Guide to Smarter Search

Speaker: Jamie Manson, Software Engineer at Parallax

The "Best of Both Worlds" Approach: Discover why relying on just one search method often fails, and learn how to combine "exact keywords" (like a traditional search bar) with "concept matching" (AI understanding) to catch the answers that simple systems miss.

Organise, Don't Just List: Learn why treating your data like a flat pile of notes confuses the AI, and how using a "Table of Contents" structure helps it find the right section first before diving into the details.

📊 Data Talk: TBC

Speaker: To be announced in February

We are committed to making this event accessible to all attendees. If you have any specific accessibility needs or require accommodations, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to ensure that everyone can fully enjoy the event, and we'll do our best to accommodate your requirements.

We will be providing food and drinks for those in attendance. If you have any dietary requirements or allergies that we should be aware of, please inform us in advance so that we can accommodate your needs.

Please note that this event will be filmed and photographed for promotional and archival purposes. By attending, you consent to the use of your image and voice in event-related media. If you have any concerns or wish to discuss any privacy considerations, please feel free to contact us. Your comfort and satisfaction are important to us, and we're here to address any questions or requests you may have regarding this matter.